Hiking The Myakka Trail

The 4th most popular hiking trail in Florida.

Situated 20 miles east of Sarasota, the 29,000 acre Myakka River State Park has a 45 mile trail network surrounding the Myakka River and Lake. A bulk of the trail system is the 39 mile Myakka Trail, which passes through dry grass/palmetto praires, palm islands and shaddy Oak hammocks. It comprises a section of the Florida National Scenic Trail and has a varied habitat of small wetlands, pine & live oak flatwoods, and dry praire provides home to 17,000 gators, thousands of ferral pigs, deer and bobcat.

To reach the hiking trailhead from Sarasota, follow US41 south. Head east on Stickney Point Road which turns into Clark Road (aka SR72). After passing US75, continue east on SR72 for 8 miles to the park entrance. The best place to park is at the Myakka trailhead just past the Upper Lake.

Overall, Myakka Trail is the 4th most popular hiking trail of all 43 hikes in Florida.